- Police say laptops seen with the officer in the viral video were not looted but recovered items.
- Four laptops were retrieved after shops were broken into during Tuesday’s protests.
- Business owners are urged to identify their stolen items at the Central Police Station.
- Investigations are still underway to catch those behind the theft and violence.
- LSK wants police to reveal and charge the officer who shot Boniface Kariuki.
- The legal body says action must be taken to stop growing police impunity.
The National Police Service (NPS) has spoken out after a video went viral showing an officer carrying laptops during the June 17 protests in Nairobi. In their official statement released on Wednesday, the police said the officer was not stealing but was handling items that had been recovered from a looted shop.
According to NPS, the laptops were part of property taken by thugs after several businesses were broken into during the chaos. One suspect was caught, and four laptops were retrieved. Police say these items are now being kept safely at the Central Police Station as exhibits.
Shop Owners Asked to Help Identify Their Goods
NPS called on all affected shop owners, especially those who lost laptops, to visit the Central Police Station and confirm if their stolen items are among the recovered ones. The statement also assured Kenyans that the matter is being followed up, and further arrests will be made.
The police added that efforts to track down all those who took part in criminal acts during the protests are ongoing. They promised that anyone found guilty of theft or violence would be arrested and charged accordingly.
Meanwhile, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has put pressure on the police to reveal the name and service number of the officer who shot and injured Boniface Kariuki, a mask seller caught in the middle of the protests.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo slammed NPS for failing to take full responsibility in their earlier statement. She said naming the officer and taking action would serve as a strong message to other officers who abuse their power. Odhiambo warned that vague statements with no real accountability only help cover up wrongdoing.
“We demand that the officer’s name, identity, and service number be disclosed, and that he be prosecuted promptly,” said Odhiambo.
“He must be treated as the face of impunity and criminality within the Police Service,” she added.
